Bringing Chinese food with a difference to the capital, Hei pairs contemporary flair with approachable prices. Think elegant dumplings, bold flavours and dishes designed for sharing with mates or dates. It’s casual and generous at lunch, then slows into something more layered at dinner, and the room – polished timber, raw concrete, jars of preserved ingredients – is a looker.
Chaat Street by Vaibhav Vishen
Chaat Street. Photo / Neat Places
171 Willis St, Te Aro
Vaibhav Vishen and his passionate team dish up the freshest tapas-style Indian street fare in the capital. What began as a Wellington On a Plate pop-up now brings the colour and buzz of an Indian street-food bazaar to Willis St, with plates made for sharing. Lunch or dinner, the bright space and combination of textures, spice and rock ‘n’ roll won’t disappoint.
Highwater Eatery
Highwater. Photo / Neat Places
54 Cuba St, Te Aro
Tucked away on Lower Cuba St, Highwater is a hidden gem serving acclaimed modern New Zealand cuisine, a thoughtfully curated wine list and classic quality cocktails. Named for “come hell or high water”, it sits near Cuba St’s original high-water mark, and the kitchen leans on charcoal cooking and local, ethical produce. Settle in for warm, genuine hospitality in a space that strikes the perfect balance between understated elegance and cool.
Phoenician Falafel
Courtenay Precinct Phoenician. Photo / Neat Places
11 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria
The go-to spot for fabled falafel and authentic Lebanese since 1997. Tucked beside the Embassy Theatre, this family-run business crafts everything from scratch, so recipes passed down through generations stay true. Order falafel, shawarma and more as a wrap, rice platter or salad – and save room for the homemade baklava.
Everybody Eats
Everybody Eats. Photo / Neat Places
60 Dixon St, Te Aro
Pay what you can, eat like a king. This community-powered restaurant turns rescued food – ingredients donated or saved from waste – into delicious meals and great vibes, with a menu that changes depending on what turns up. Volunteers, students, families, locals and first-timers all pull up a seat at the communal tables. Where good food meets food for good.
Burger Liquor
Burger Liquor. Photo / Neat Places
129 Willis St, Te Aro
Wellington’s original burger bar, behind the striking blue mural in the old Crazyhorse Steakhouse. Burger Liquor serves superb burgers with all their favourite accompaniments: fries, cocktails, hard shakes, beers, a sundae bar and plenty more. The vibes are right, and so is the rum and bourbon list.
Leeds Street
Garage Project Leeds Street. Photo / Neat Places
Leeds St, Te Aro
The little laneway between Dixon and Ghuznee streets is worth a detour. At number 7, Garage Project’s spacious, sunny pub pours 32 taps of GP’s finest alongside tasty provisions like giant pretzels and hand-cut chips with curry ketchup – best paired with many hours of yarning with friends, new and old. At number 14, Shelly Bay Bakery turns out naturally leavened sourdough, bagels, baguettes and seasonal treats, so grab a flaky pastry with your coffee or a loaf for later.
Shelly Bay Baker. Photo / Neat Places
Round the corner on Eva St, Wellington Chocolate Factory has been making organic, ethically sourced bean-to-bar chocolate since 2013 – watch it being made over a hot chocolate, or book a tour and craft your own bar. Then finish at Golding’s Free Dive, a much-loved neighbourhood bar with rotating craft taps, a courtyard and pizza from its mates at Pomodoro.
Willis Lane
Willis Lane. Photo / Neat Places
1 Willis St, Wellington Central
Head beneath Willis St to discover a lively underground hub packed with global eats and drinks. Equal parts food hall and playground, it’s colourful, energetic and works as well for a quick midweek lunch as a big night out. Pick from small-batch pies at Salut, banh mi and pho at Nam Nam, tonkotsu ramen at Angry Ramen, laksa at Nyonya Malaysian, dumplings at Foo Du and pizza at Bambina, plus Mexican, sushi, fried chicken and burgers. Finish with a scoop of Duck Island ice cream.
Moore Wilson’s
Moore Wilsons. Photo / Neat Places
Corner of Tory and College St, Te Aro
A local institution that’s more than a grocery store, Moore Wilson’s is Wellington’s food mecca – you’ll want to take your time walking the aisles. Local bakeries restock the shelves every morning with sourdough loaves, pastries and sweet treats. From there, work through artisan cheese, fresh produce, local meat and seafood, chocolate and the best Aotearoa products, plus coffee beans from local roasteries. Check out the Kitchen, Homewares & Toys and Wine, Beer & Spirits departments too.
Customs
Customs Coffee Supreme. Photo / Neat Places
39 Ghuznee St, Te Aro
A quintessential Wellington coffee spot with sun-filled windows, dogs parked outside and a cabinet of doughnuts that disappear fast. As Coffee Supreme’s flagship, it’s all accompanied by excellent Supreme coffee, of course. Order the signature blend or a single-origin filter, and pick up beans and brewing gear on your way out.
This story originally featured on Neat Places.